Mexico & Costa Rica Highlights

Days

29

Price from

$11,800AUD

Discover Maya ruins, Indian communities and colonial towns, spot monkeys and sloths high in the cloud forests on this in-depth Mexican and Costa Rican adventure

Mexico is all laid before you in this most comprehensive exploration of an intoxicating country. From the unique buzz of Mexico City, travel deep into the past at the mysterious archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, then see the old and new collide in the colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Great civilisations thrived here and left their mark everywhere – see it next in the magnificent Maya ruins of Palenque and Chichen Itza.

Continue your Central America explorarion in Costa Rica, where national parks are blessed with some of the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in the world. Depart for Tortuguero, where you can learn about indigenous turtle catching and conservation efforts. At La Fortuna you can explore the base of the mighty Arenal Volcano from your unique perch high in the trees. Visit butterfly gardens at Monteverde's outstanding tropical cloud forest and wildlife sanctuaries. Relax on some of Costa Rica's finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle.

Mexico & Costa Rica Highlights

Discover Maya ruins, Indian communities and colonial towns, spot monkeys and sloths high in the cloud forests on this in-depth Mexican and Costa Rican adventure

Mexico is all laid before you in this most comprehensive exploration of an intoxicating country. From the unique buzz of Mexico City, travel deep into the past at the mysterious archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, then see the old and new collide in the colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Great civilisations thrived here and left their mark everywhere – see it next in the magnificent Maya ruins of Palenque and Chichen Itza.

Continue your Central America explorarion in Costa Rica, where national parks are blessed with some of the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in the world. Depart for Tortuguero, where you can learn about indigenous turtle catching and conservation efforts. At La Fortuna you can explore the base of the mighty Arenal Volcano from your unique perch high in the trees. Visit butterfly gardens at Monteverde's outstanding tropical cloud forest and wildlife sanctuaries. Relax on some of Costa Rica's finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle.

Why you'll love this trip

Your 3-night Feature stay at Hotel Geneve in Mexico City is a property with more than 100 years of history. This elegant 'museum hotel' is located in the Pink zone, close to restaurants and shops

Take on a Mexico City taco crawl and explore a variety of flavours as you also learn about the families and stories behind some of the most popular taquerias in town.

Oaxaca is not just travelled with feet and eyes, there’s also a delicious street-food scene to discover – Don't take our word for it, try it first hand on a cooking class in Oaxaca

Visit Palenque archaeological site in the company of a professional archaeologist.

Learn from local experts and artists some of Mexico's best kept secrets, from beeswax candle crafting to the art of distilling mescal

Journey to Tortuguero National Park and learn about local turtle conservation projects

Your 2-night Feature stay at Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero is nestled in the evergreen forest - accessible only by boat or air - this spacious, rustic lodge sits between the ocean and the canals

Call in at a small family-owned coffee farm, Cafe San Luis, and be taken through the coffee making process, from crop to cup.

Discover untouched forests at Monteverde, considered by many to be one of the world's most outstanding tropical cloudforest and wildlife sanctuaries

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park in the company of one who knows it best – a local guide who's family first settled in it.

Is this trip right for you?

Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites, can be quite strenuous. Be sure to bring suitably sturdy footwear.

There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. So be prepared for some driving. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations along the way to break things up.

The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours. Luckily there will be several opportunities to take a swim!

It's a good idea to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but can be shy, so you'll need to make an effort to break the ice. It's also a great way to show your respect and involve yourself in their culture.

Due to increased activity by the Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque, some changes to your itinerary may be necessary for your safety.

Gallery

Itinerary

Arrive at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport, where you'll be transferred to your hotel. A complimentary transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised.

In the evening (about 6 pm) you will meet your tour leader and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place, and have your insurance details and next of kin information ready for collection.

This meeting will be followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

There are enough activities to do in Mexico City to keep you busy for a week, so you may want to consider to arrive to Mexico City a day or two before the start of your trip. Some of the most popular activities in Mexico City (apart from the ones included in this trip) are:

Leon Trotsky Museum - Having come second best to Stalin on the race to the helm of the Soviet Union, Trotski was expelled and found refuge in Mexico City - where he was eventually murdered. The entrance fee includes free guided tours in English. Ask about it at the ticket box. An Uber taxi from your hotel to the museum should cost you approximately MXN 100.

Perhaps visit the Frida Kahlo Museum for a deeper understanding of this renowned Mexican artist. Bear in mind that queues can be long to enter this museum (we recommend you book tickets online), particularly on weekends. An Uber taxi from your hotel to the museum should cost approximately MXN 160 each way. This museum is closed on Mondays.

If you prefer to get out of the city and escape the crowds, take a trip to the canals and gardens of Xochimilco. An Uber taxi should cost about MXN 300 to get there.

Meals Included

Special Information

Today is a long but worthwhile day. You'll start a city tour of Mexico City at approximately 8.30am. First off is the impressive National Museum of Anthropology, before heading to the Zocalo (main square) for a visit to the Cathedral and National Palace. You will discover that Mexico City is an exciting mix of modern cosmopolitan glamour with remnants from both its ancient and colonial history. Your city tour will finish at approximately 3pm so make sure you carry some snacks and water.

Mexico is synonymous with tacos, so this evening (at approximately 7pm) your leader will take you on a 'taco crawl' around town. Explore a variety of tastes from locals' favourite "taquerias". Warning - you may not want to know the ingredients in your taco before you try them! Just trust your taste buds. This activity should take between 1 to 1.5hrs

After Tacos, your leader may suggest taking a taxi to Plaza Garibaldi, where for about MXN 200 you can get a Mariachi band to perform for you!

Meals Included

Special Information

Travel by private minivan to Teotihuacan - about 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City. Here you'll discover the extraordinary Aztec ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. With the help of a local guide, you'll have time to stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’ to see fascinating clues to what life here was like nearly 2,000 years ago.

Return to Mexico City after lunch (not included) and spend another afternoon exploring this vibrant metropolis.

Accommodation

Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)

Included Activities

Meals Included

At approximately 8am you'll farewell Mexico City and head south to Puebla. The drive takes about 3 hours depending on local traffic. Once in Puebla, your leader will take you on a walk around this town which has retained its colonial heritage despite rapid growth and development. The walk will include a visit to the Calle de los Dulces (Candy street), El Parian (handycraft market) as well as a couple of colonial buildings that remain a testament to Puebla's proud history, such as the Town Hall Palace and the Rosary Chapel.

You will have lunch in Puebla (not included) before continuing south to Oaxaca, another 5hrs drive.

Oaxaca is renowned for its cuisine and vibrant art scene. It's also an excellent place to browse for traditional Mexican handicrafts, as descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec Indians sell an array of bright woven blankets and shawls here.

Accommodation

Hotel Mision de los Angeles or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Puebla - Visit Puebla on route to Oaxaca

Meals Included

This morning your leader will take you on a tour of Oaxaca including Santo Domingo Church, Zocalo and local art and craft galleries. You'll arrive at the 20 de Noviembre market in time for lunch, where you can search through the many local restaurants for whatever you feel like – perhaps focus on the famous grilled meats hall.

In the afternoon, travel out of the city (approximately 1hr drive) and visit the nearby village of Teotitlán del Valle. The settlement is famous for its weaving, particularly of colourful rugs. Here you'll visit a workshop and see a weaving demonstration.

Later, learn about a peculiar tradition not many have the opportunity to witness when visiting Oaxaca: beeswax candle making! You will visit a local shop that keeps this centenary tradition alive to learn about the technique involved in the making of these delicate candles and maybe have a go at it yourself!

Finish up at an artisanal mescaleria. Unlike other mainstream mescalerias, here you will have the opportunity to meet an experienced "palenquero" and learn about the production of this famous Mexican drink made from cactus. Needless to say, you'll taste some of the best mescal in the area. Salud!

Accommodation

Hotel Mision de los Angeles or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Oaxaca - Leader led city tour

Oaxaca - Teotitlan del Valle visit

Oaxaca - Beeswax candle shop visit

Oaxaca - Artisanal mescaleria visit

Oaxaca - Mezcal Factory

Optional Activities

Oaxaca - Folkloric ballet (seasonal) - USD10

Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre - USD8

Oaxaca - Monte Alban Ruins (entrance fee) - USD10

Meals Included

This morning you'll take a cooking class to get to grips with some regional specialties. The tour starts at approximately 10am with a visit to the local market – wandering past stalls of everything from cactus fruit to grasshoppers, Oaxacan chocolate, and then heavenly Oaxacan cheese - queso oaxaca – and pick up some supply ingredients for you class. Then you'll visit a local house and try your hand at cooking some regional delicacies. No doubt there will be some kind of corn involved – it's been a staple of Mesoamerican cuisine for over 7,000 years.

After feasting on your creations, the rest of the afternoon in the city is free. Perhaps continue the day's food theme by visiting Calle de los Dulces, or 'Sweets Street', to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Accommodation

Hotel Mision de los Angeles or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Oaxaca - Cooking class

Meals Included

Take a noon flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. before travelling by minivan to the Sumidero Canyon, an 800-metre deep canyon carved out by the Sumidero River and dating from the same time as the Grand Canyon - the boat tour takes approximately 2hrs.

Then continue driving a further 1.5hrs to San Cristobal de las Casas where you can expect to arrive by 7pm. In the evening, take in the distinctive old-world feel here, which comes from the Spanish colonial architecture and pretty, cobbled streets.

Accommodation

Hotel Parador Margarita or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

San Cristobal de las Casas - Sumidero Canyon (inc. transport)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Notes: Please note that occasionally towards the end of dry season (November to April) the water level in Sumidero Canyon may become too low for us to safely take the boat tour. If our staff deem this activity to be unsafe, we will replace it with another included activity of similar value.

This morning embark on a half day tour to the Mayan villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. These villages, nestled in the highlands, serve as marketplaces and religious ceremonial centres for the indigenous people who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and are often seen dressed in their own distinctive colourful costumes. You will explore these villages with a guide and learn more about the culture and history of these mainly Mayan communities.

Accommodation

Hotel Parador Margarita or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Meals Included

Today is a long travel day as you depart San Cristobal de Las Casas and travel north to Palenque. On the way you will visit the waterfalls at Agua Azul and Misol Ha. Today's driving time adds up to approximately 8hrs. You should expect to arrive to Palenque at about 6pm.

Situated in hot jungle, Palenque is the jump-off point to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name – you'll visit them tomorrow.

Accommodation

Hotel Villa Mercedes or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Palenque - Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Notes: Due to increased activity by the Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque, some changes to your itinerary may be necessary for your safety. The Zapatistas have recently been targeting tourists in order to draw attention to their cause. As a result, some transport to and from Palenque may need to be rerouted, which means longer travel times of up to 9 hours. Some activities, including visits to the Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls, will be unavailable until this situation is resolved. Alternative activities will be organised as required and explained by your tour leader at the welcome meeting. Currently there are no safety issues within the city of Palenque itself, or at the nearby Mayan archaeological site. We’re constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders.

Today you will meet a local archaeologist for a memorable morning visit to the ruins of Palenque.

Archaeologists have been hard at work uncovering the secrets of this ancient city, but around 90% of the site remains unexcavated and concealed in the forest. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to 600 AD and are some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico. As you walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing through the jungle. The area gives you a real idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they first came across the hidden ruins.

After lunch, continue driving north to Campeche. This will be your last long travel day on this itinerary - approximately 6 hours.

Accommodation

Hotel Castelmar or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Palenque - Archaeologist led visit to Palenque ruins

Meals Included

In the morning, continue along the coast to visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve where you'll get to go on a guided boat tour. Here, near extensive beaches lined with coconut trees, you'll see a variety of coastal birds. Depending on the season (usually Nov-Mar), you may be able to witness the magnificent sight of thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape.

Arrive into the historic town of Merida in time for dinner (not included). Merida was funded in 1542 and it still retains much of its old-world charm. Take in the splendour of its many colonial buildings and learn more about the Maya heritage of the town.

Accommodation

Hotel Castellano or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Merida - Celestum boat tour

Meals Included

Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida and your guide will be able to recommend some good options. Perhaps visit some of the museums, including the impressive Regional Museum of Yucatan and stroll the city streets which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Mantejo on the other. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, go for a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. The outdoor market is another essential visit, with an array of hammocks and Mayan replicas for sale, plus a selection of enticing local cuisine, including the dish cochinita pibil ('little pig').

Accommodation

Hotel Castellano or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan - MXN52

Meals Included

Today you leave Merida at 6am and arrive to Chichen Itza by 8am in time for breakfast. After breakfast you will take a 2hr tour of Chichen Itza. This is possibly the most famous Maya site in Mexico. Recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza has both Toltec and Mayan ruins lying alongside each other. The famous El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan) pyramid dominates the site. Not far from the temple is the ‘ball court’ where many disputes are were settled by way of a ball game that employed only the elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depicting violence suggest it was not some casual sport. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice offered up treasures of jade, copper and gold, as well as many human and animal bones.

Following a guided tour of the site, continue to the Caribbean coast and the resort town of Playa del Carmen (approximately 3 hours). Blessed with azure waters, powdery beaches and a European feel, Playa del Carmen is a resort city close to Cancun but with less of a party atmosphere.

Accommodation

Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Chichen Itza Ruins - Entrance & Guided tour

Meals Included

Spend the day exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Travel out to ruins of Tulum (approximately 1 hour). This ancient Maya city was once an important trading port, protected against invaders by a high wall. Situated on a cliff overlooking a white sandy beach, it offers wonderful views and photo opportunities. Wander around the ruins with your guide, learning about the castle, temple and other structures within.

On the way back to Playa del Carmen, perhaps stop at a hidden cenote for a refreshing swim. These stunning natural sinkholes are filled with crystal clear fresh water and make for a memorable dip.

Back in Playa del Carmen, enjoy the last of your time reading a book at a beachside bar or taking a stroll among the trendy holidaymakers lining the shore. In the evening, why not head out with the group to reflect on your experiences and indulge in one final meal.

Accommodation

Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Playa del Carmen - Tulum ruins guided tour

Optional Activities

Playa del Carmen - Cenote (sinkhole) visit - USD12

Meals Included

Today you will be transferred to Cancun International Airport in time to catch your flight to San Jose. The international flight from Cancun to San Jose is not included in the price of this trip. Please contact us if you need assistance making this arrangement.

On arrival at San Jose airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city. In the evening you will meet your tour leader and the other members of the group for a pre-tour briefing. This is normally held at 6pm but please check the notice board at reception to confirm the time and place. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents along with you. Following the briefing there is generally an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Costa Rica’s capital sits in the centre of a lush, wide valley which has a comfortable subtropical climate. The streets of the town are laid out along a grid iron pattern, with avenidas running east to west and callés running north to south. Many of the most interesting buildings are in the region of Avenida Central – the Teatro Nacional is an elaborate confection of marble staircases, statues, frescoes and mirrors. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair.

If arriving early, have a look at the Gold Museum, which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.

Accommodation

Hotel Presidente or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities

San Jose - National Museum - USD12

San Jose - Gold Museum - USD11

San Jose - Jade Museum - USD10

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Leave San Jose and descend to the Caribbean lowlands (approximately 4 hours). The final section of our journey to the port at La Pavona is on an unsealed road. There you'll take a boat to Tortuguero National Park (approximately 1.5 hours).

This area has long been associated with the catching of turtles (tortuguero means turtle-catcher). The original indigenous inhabitants used turtles as a sustainable resource, but the arrival of Europeans led to major exploitation.

Tortuguero National Park is home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species. First and foremost, however, it is the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between July and October to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerheads, and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park at different times of year.

This afternoon you'll meet Sibella and her son Cloied, descendant of the first Afro-Caribbean people who arrived in the area. Learn from them all about life in this corner of the world, from the secrets of Caribbean dishes to how life was before tourism came to this remote area. Your guide will particularly elaborate on the use of coconut and its many uses from paper to delicious candy.

After the presentation, head to the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum to learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts in Tortuguero.

Accommodation

Included Activities

Meals Included

Set the alarm clock early because today you'll be visiting Sarapiqui, located in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region. To get there you'll transfer back to the port by boat (approximately 1.5 hours) and then continue to Sarapiqui by private minibus (approximately 3 hours).

On the banks of the Puerto Viejo River and next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, Sarapiqui is surrounded by virgin forests, banana and pineapple plantations. Sarapiqui is also known as one of the richest areas in Costa Rica for bird watching. The diversity of lowland bird life is impressive. A biological research station and several nearby forest lodges have made this undisturbed habitat accessible to scientists and travellers.

Once you've arrived, enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool while listening to the sounds of the rainforest. The entire afternoon is free to enjoy.

Perhaps opt to visit La Sevla Bioalogical Station, a field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, today one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest. Over 240 scientific papers are published yearly from research conducted at the site.

Alternatively you could go for a walk along the 9km trails available at Tirimbina for a chance to see different habitats from old cacao plantations, secondary forest, wetlands and river banks to intriguing primary forest.

Prices listed below are entrance only, you will need to add the cost of transport which will depende on how many of you want to participate in these activities.

Accommodation

Selva Verde Lodge or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Sarapiqui - La Selva Biological Station (entrance fee) - USD35

Sarapiqui - Tirimbina trails (entrance fee) - USD17

Meals Included

Begin your second day in Sarapiqui searching for some of the rainforest's 215 colourful bird species on a guided birdwatching tour.

In the afternoon, learn about one of humankind's tastiest obsessions during a chocolate tour in La Tirimbina Biological Reserve (2.5 hours). The production of cacao plays an important role in preserving this ecological site and supporting the local community.

Accommodation

Selva Verde Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Sarapiqui - Guided birdwatching tour

Sarapiqui - Chocolate tour at Tirimbina

Meals Included

Drive to La Fortuna by private vehicle (approximately 3 hours). Huddled in the shadow of the looming Arenal Volcano, the small town of La Fortuna is an ideal location from which to explore the surrounding region.

The volcano's almost perfect cone, which soars 1,633 metres above sea level, has a crater 140 metres deep formed over an ancient caldera.

In the evening you will visit hot springs in the area. Surrounded by lush foliage and naturally heated by the Arenal volcano, the springs are the perfect way to relax.

Meals Included

Today take the scenic route to Monteverde (approximately 4 hours in total).

Travel by shared minibus to Lake Arenal, which you'll then cross by boat. On a clear day you'll get fantastic views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the lake, re-board the minibus and continue to your destination.

Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers who cleared virgin forest to create pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were way ahead of the game in being conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to habitats. Consequently, they established a small privately-owned wildlife sanctuary which has since grown to become the internationally-renowned Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Preserve. These forests are similar to rainforests, but instead of relying on rain for essential moisture, receive water comes from semi-permanent cloud that covers the region. Lush and full of wildlife, this is truly a nature lover's paradise. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.

Accommodation

Ficus Sunset Suites or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

This morning you'll have the opportunity to join your leader on a guided walking tour through the Monteverde National Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the world's most elusive birds.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Sit back with your favorite book or take on some of the optional activities in the area. Perhaps walk through the canopy on suspension bridges or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. The local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation. There are also several cooperatives worth visiting in the local communities.

Accommodation

Ficus Sunset Suites or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve

Optional Activities

Monteverde - Butterfly garden and insects farm - USD30

Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD35

Meals Included

In the morning, visit the Ramirez family and their small coffee farm, which produces the coffee brand locally known as Cafe San Luis. Learn from this charismatic family the traditional coffee-making process still employed today.

After an afternoon set aside for relaxation, embark on a evening hike in search of some of the rainforest's nocturnal inhabitants. Some of the wildlife you might see includes porcupines, toucans, owls, agoutis, coatimundis, snakes, stick insects, tarantulas and katydids. Animal sightings can of course never be guaranteed, but this time of day offers a good chance to both spot diurnal animals returning from the day's hunting and nocturnal animals setting out to start it.

Accommodation

Ficus Sunset Suites or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Monteverde - Coffee tour

Monteverde - Night walk

Meals Included

From Monteverde it is a four to five hour drive to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Situated on the Pacific Coast, the area of mangrove swamps and beaches now known as the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio was first documented by Spanish Explorer Ponce de Leon in 1519 during his (unsuccessful) search for the Fountain of Youth.

Here, long, white beaches extending around the Punta Catedral headland are backed by evergreen forests that grow up right up to the high tide mark. The park, which is made up of 12 small islands and countless lagoons and mangrove swamps, is home to 109 kinds of mammal and 184 species of bird, also boasts turquoise seas perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing or fishing in.

The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps relax at the beach and get ready for tomorrow's exploration of the National Park.

Accommodation

Hotel Faro or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Accommodation in Manuel Antonio is at Hotel Faro; this property is slightly below the standard generally used for Peregrine Adventures. We have chosen this property because it's one of the few hotels willing to accept our standard reservation policies and conditions yet still provides the most important requirements:
- An excellent location; meters from the beach, the National Park entrance, and local restaurants
- It's clean and comfortable
- A unique experience

Led by a local guide whose family helped establish the park, head out on a hike through Manuel Antonio in search of the resident wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds are some of the species you might be lucky enough to spot.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may be continuing on longer itineraries to Havana to start the second part of their trip – Costa Rica & Cuba (PSCRC).

Days

29

Price from

$11,800AUD

Discover Maya ruins, Indian communities and colonial towns, spot monkeys and sloths high in the cloud forests on this in-depth Mexican and Costa Rican adventure

Mexico is all laid before you in this most comprehensive exploration of an intoxicating country. From the unique buzz of Mexico City, travel deep into the past at the mysterious archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, then see the old and new collide in the colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Great civilisations thrived here and left their mark everywhere – see it next in the magnificent Maya ruins of Palenque and Chichen Itza.

Continue your Central America explorarion in Costa Rica, where national parks are blessed with some of the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in the world. Depart for Tortuguero, where you can learn about indigenous turtle catching and conservation efforts. At La Fortuna you can explore the base of the mighty Arenal Volcano from your unique perch high in the trees. Visit butterfly gardens at Monteverde's outstanding tropical cloud forest and wildlife sanctuaries. Relax on some of Costa Rica's finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle.

Next trip departures

Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available for purchase on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. For the included internal flight ticket, please provide your full name exactly as per passport, at the time of booking or at least 45 days prior to travel.
4. To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures. Your leader and the composition of your group may change with the start of each adventure.
5. As this is a combination trip, the flight from Cancun to San Jose on Day 15 is not included in the tour cost and you must purchase it separately. When booking this flight, keep in mind there will be a group meeting at 6pm in Havana on this day so we recommend arriving prior to this.
6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
7. Complimentary mid-trip airport departure and arrival transfers are included to help ease your independent connections throughout the combination trip. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- An airport departure transfer is included from Playa del Carmen
- An airport arrival transfer is included in San Jose
8. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Peregrine monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.